High Potassium Levels

[Lovedogs1]

I was diagnosed with HF in July this year, I was hospitalised for twelve days, and discharged with Bisoprolol, Apixaban and Entresto, the lowest dose. I have just had a blood test which I was found to have to much potassium. I am having a repeat blood test today, and if it’s still high I have been told I will have to stop the Entresto. I feel quite upset now because since being on Entresto I have felt so much better with a lot more energy. My EF went from 21 to 40. I also suffer from mild kidney disease. Does anyone know if there is an alternative to Entresto which I thought was the best thing for HF.

[10gingercats]

I was found to have high potassium last week in a routine set of blood test done via my surgery. Just had second blood test and waiting for GP to ring and tell me if I still have it and what he may do about it. I am not on Enteresto only Bisoprolol and Apixaban for Afib. I would be interested in what your docs. ideas are about why you have high potassium.As far as I know my kidneys are ok.

[Lovedogs1 in reply to 10gingercats]

I think it’s to do with my kidneys. I will ask some more about it this after noon when I have the second blood test.

[10gingercats in reply to Lovedogs1]

Yes. Do ask your doc.Kidney 'failure' needs treating and sometimes quickly.

[Hidden]

Hello

This can sometimes happen why they give us regular blood tests

Try not to get upset though I am sure there will be an alternative

Good luck with the next blood test and if you have time let us know how you get on x

[Paperlover]

I often have this when I have blood tests. I don’t drink enough and get a normal result if I am well hydrated before I go for the test

[Hidden in reply to Paperlover]

I think your last sentence was quite telling! Few of us ever drink enough water each day! It is vital to help keep everything in kilter. If we take medication water also helps it to be distributed around the body effectively. I for one have been trying to drink more water each day, it's good for your skin, blood, kidneys, gut, brain, everything!!

[richard_jw]

Here is a link to a US website which gives some detail about Entresto and some possible alternatives. You obviously need to talk to your doctor to see if any are suitable for you in particular

singlecare.com/blog/entrest...

[Andrew_A]

Don't worry too much yet. If the sample was more than 4 hours old when it reached the lab then the potassium will be falsely high. That is why they have requested a second test.

[stevlyn]

Hi, When I had heart Failure approx. 7 years ago I was put om Ramipril and bisoprolol which I managed very well, I was also on the lowest dose as when I tried a higher dose I felt dizzy and sick.

I now take Apixaban because I have atrial Fibrillation. I don;t think I have had high potassium but when I had my Mitral Valve repaired I was given and told to eat more bananas!!

[kalgs]

I was on Apixaban for about 12 weeks during my ablation period. I was fine and had no side effects. I’m no longer on medication for AFIB

[am1875]

Can you determine what is causing your high potassium levels, diet, meds, etc? Google: Entresto in HF Tied to Less Kidney Decline Wish you well.

[am1875]

My potassium was high and I attribute it to my diet. I eat too many almonds, potatoes, spinach and broccoli. All are high in potassium. I eliminated 90% of this and my potassium dropped considerably. I was started on middle dose of Entresto and after 1 month my kidney numbers increased and yesterday I was put on the lower dose to see if that gets numbers back where they started. I also may have been dehydrated. I also started to drink sugar free electrolytes to hydrate. All the best.

[am1875]

Hi. I hope you were able to stay on Entresto. Did your cardiologist know of any diet or meds that might lower your potassium? Mine is rising but still under 51. I’ve changed my diet to lower it. I think there might be a medicine to lower it but not 100 % sure. All the best.